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Dominica is an island state located on the border of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean with the capital in Roseau. The country is mostly inhabited by Africans by origin, the official language is English.

Education system

Quality education in the country contributes to the socio-economic development of Dominica, so students of all ages have the opportunity to realize their true potential. There are 12 years of compulsory education in the country, starting from the age of five. The academic year begins in September.

Free textbooks are provided to all primary school students and secondary school students from years one to three. The Education Trust Fund provides support to low-income students, particularly high school and college students, who cannot afford tuition fees.

Previously, a network of day care centers and preschools across the island, run by a Catholic women's organization called the Social League, was responsible for the education of children under the age of five. Since the mid-1970s, the preschool education program has received training and financial support from the government and international organizations.

Primary education

In Dominica, the early missionaries and the religious institutions they founded played a significant role in the development of education over the centuries. The public-private partnership continues to this day. Opportunities for science for schoolchildren begin with a network of Roman Catholic kindergartens/preschools up to 5 years of age. After that, children attend primary school up to 8th grade.

Secondary education

The last 2 years of the school education system are completed in public secondary schools. Applicants who wish to continue their studies at university (whose parents can afford it) can continue their studies to the 12th grade in private schools and obtain an advanced level certificate. Unfortunately, these schools are all located in large and affluent urban centers, and there are few scholarships available for those hoping to break the chains of rural poverty.

Vocational and technical education

There are a number of state-funded technical colleges where young people can get vocational training in all the traditional disciplines. However, they are also most often located in more densely populated areas.

Higher Education

The University of the West Indies does not have a campus in Dominica, and until recently all students had to travel across oceans to complete their degrees. However, for some time there were three lower-level institutions of higher education on the island, namely the Dominica State College, the School of Nursing and the Dominica College of Education. Some residents of this country receive higher education in universities in Cuba.

Founded in 2002, the state college continues to grow and finally attain full university status, beginning to award bachelor's degrees in nursing.

Visa

If you want to study in Dominica, you must first obtain a student visa in your home country. To do this, you need to complete the application form at least three months before the course start date to avoid any delays or last-minute rushes, and then submit it to the Immigration Department through your regional consulate. However, we always advise you to check for updated information on visa requirements in case of any changes.

To apply for a visa, you need the following documents:

• two recent passport-sized photos;

• the applicant's birth certificate in English;

• evaluations of the applicant and references;

• TOFEL and IELTS certificate, whichever is applicable in the respective institution.

After the visa department receives your application, they may ask for additional information or documents. 

• medical certificate: in order to receive a medical examination, you need to undergo a medical examination. The visa officer will send you instructions if you need a medical examination. This process requires a longer review of your application (say an additional 3 months).

The Embassy of Dominica may also request any additional documents if deemed necessary.